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Botox and Dysport

While derma fillers work by plumping up the wrinkles, Botox and Dysport, the two currently available forms of botulimin toxin, work by temporarily paralysing the facial muscles which cause the wrinkle to occur, relaxing the muscle beneath so the skin is given a smoother appearance.

A derivative of the clostridium botulinum type a complex, Botox is used in minute quantities for the treatment of frown lines and crow’s feet wrinkles, which develop due to overactive muscles. Dysport another clostridium botulinum type toxin, is reported to last a little longer than traditional Botox.

Botox and Dysport should only be administered by trained medical personnel. Injections are administered into the site of the overactive muscle and, weakening its action and allowing the overlying skin to become smoother. The effect is evident within a week and lasts for about three to four months.

With repeated injections the muscles may be permanently weakened. Another possible benefit if the muscle is ‘paralysed’ is that the patient ‘unlearns’ the habits of frowning or creasing up the eyes and the patient looks more rested about the brows and eyelids for a longer period of time.

Botox can also be used by an experienced practitioner to reshape the face. With expert use weakening the muscles in the medial eyebrow can result in changing the shape of te eyebrows, giving more lift to the eyebrows laterally.

Possible Complications with Botox and Dysport

  • Temporary complications directly after treatment may include: pain at the injection site, burning sensations, redness, numbness and occasionally nausea.

  • Muscle droop: A weakening of the localised muscles adjacent to the target muscle may cause a temporary drooping of the eyelids. Idropping eyelids do occur it can take a couple of months to self correct.

  • Logn term use: There is some concern expressed by practitioners about whether it is wise to ‘paralyse’ muscles on a long term basis. Muscles tend to weaken as we age, particularly those around the eyes.

Alternatives to Botox and Dysport